By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the green light to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of “serious maladministration” in the Free State premier’s office during Ace Magashule’s tenure.
The investigation comes on the back of concerns of maladministration contained in a report by the auditor-general.
In 2017, Magashule allocated more than R149 million to the controversial provincial bursary scheme.
The bursary scheme was also the subject of discussion at the commission of inquiry into state capture in 2021.
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says the agency will Investigate any irregular, improper or unlawful conduct by officials or employees at the Office of the Premier.
“The investigation will also focus on the Office of the Premier’s annual report for the 2017/2018 financial year concerning the approval, allocation, or payment of bursaries, including travel, accommodation and stipends to persons who were not entitled or were given in a manner that contradict the applicable manuals, policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions, or practices of the Office of the Premier.”
Kganyago says if the unit uncovers evidence of criminal conduct the report will be sent to the National Prosecuting Authority.
“The probe will also look into payments made in respect of student accommodation, including the causes of such maladministration and any related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the office.”
“The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 1 January 2018 and 9 June 2023, the date of the publication of the Proclamation or before 1 January 2018 and after the date of the proclamation that is relevant to, connected with, incidental to the matters or involves the same persons, entities or contracts investigated.”
The latest development follows the announcement by African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula of the governing party’s intention to expel Magashule for his 2021 attempt to suspend Ramaphosa as ANC president.
Magashule’s premiership has been shrouded in controversy since October 2020 when corruption charges were brought against him, tender tycoon Edwin Sodi and 10 others relating to a R255 million Free State asbestos tender deal.